The Harbor Report: Wind blows in some serious racing

I hope you have had a chance to see if your dog is still chained up in the backyard because it’s been windy. Last week’s “Around Catalina” race was exciting, and I was glad to see the big breeze not come in until Sunday afternoon after we had finished the race.

While cleaning up Glenn Highland’s “Bien Roulee,” the crew sat down for a cold beverage to watch the 30 knots of breeze come rolling down the bay from one of the moorings in front of the Balboa Yacht Club. I assume most of my readers are experienced yachtsmen who prepare for the day and the challenge before them. Therefore, I am not going to preach to the choir. But it is always exciting at the bottom end of the harbor when the wind picks up with a vengeance.

The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club’s (BCYC) “Around The Islands Race” will take place June 10-12. This year the race goes around Santa Barbara Island and Catalina Island the “right way” by taking both islands to port.

Each year, the course changes from rounding the Islands to port then starboard. Last year’s event was the inaugural race, and it turned out to be one of our harbor’s best races of the season.

David Janes chartered the RP 66 “Akele” and set the course record at 18 Hours and 24 minutes and the best corrected time was won by Davis Pilsbury’s pristine Cal 40 “Ralphie” with a time of 22 hours and six minutes.

At first glance, it appears that BCYC has stepped up its game and the entry list looks strong again this year. The boats to beat this year will be Dr. Laura’s new Kernan 47 “Katana” and the R/P 50 “Blue Blazes.” I am going to place my money down on a local favorite, “Flaca,” a Santa Cruz 50 owned by Paul Casanova. BCYC knows how to throw a party, so be sure to check this race out at bcyc.org. It’s still not too late to sign up.

I took some time to go around the Harbor this week and try to make contact with our local yacht clubs’ sailing administrators and ask them questions. Newport Harbor Yacht Club was the only club able to respond before deadline.

Question: How has attendance been this year, so far, for sailing events, junior sailing, and cruises?

Answer: Attendance at NHYC has been great this year. We had a record turn-out for our Opening Day ceremonies, our spring junior sailing program is running at full capacity and our senior sabot group is very active and has just hosted their first regatta of the season.

Q.: Any upcoming fundraisers?

A.: On July 8, NHYC will host a Summer White Party to raise money for the Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation.

Q.: Next big events on your Calendar?

A.: Next up on our racing calendar is the Baxter Bowl Regatta, for Finn and Star Class Boats on June 11-12. On the junior side, the Summer Gold Cup on July 9-10 will be a great warm-up for Junior Sabot Nationals, which will be held at NHYC from July 8-11.

Q.: Recent achievements by a member ?

A.: Last month, Tyler Macdonald won the 29er Pacific Coast Championship.

Q.: Is there anything that the boating public can do to make your job easier?

A.: Enter events early. It will usually save you a hassle at check-in and will likely save you from paying unnecessary late fees. Additionally, entering early is a great way to ensure that you help to create a successful event. The more names there are on a entry list weeks before the regatta starts, the more excitement will be created which will drive entries up further. I think we can all agree that more boats on the start line is more fun for everyone.

Sea ya.

LEN BOSE is an experienced boater, yacht broker and boating columnist.